Fred Vasseur's Podium Hopes for Oliver Bearman at Mexico GP

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was significantly impressed by Oliver Bearman at the Mexico Grand Prix, briefly thinking the young driver was on track for his maiden Formula 1 podium. Bearman's stellar performance, finishing fourth for Haas, marked his best career result and the team's joint-best.

Why it matters:

Oliver Bearman's standout performance at the Mexico GP, especially in just his first full F1 season, underscores his potential as a future star. For Haas, a double points finish and climbing to eighth in the Constructors' standings signals significant mid-season momentum, vital for a team looking to establish itself consistently in the midfield.

The details:

• Bearman, starting ninth, expertly navigated a chaotic Turn 1 to climb to sixth on the opening lap.
• He executed a brilliant double overtake on Max Verstappen and George Russell on lap six after they ran wide from a skirmish with Lewis Hamilton.
• Podium Position Briefly Held: Bearman inherited third place due to Hamilton's penalty, sparking Vasseur's podium aspirations for him. However, a late pit strategy allowed Verstappen to reclaim the position.
• This performance marks Bearman's third consecutive points finish and his seventh for the year, placing him 13th in the championship, ahead of seasoned teammate Esteban Ocon.
• Team Performance: Esteban Ocon also contributed with a ninth-place finish, securing Haas's second double points score since the summer break and propelling them to eighth in the constructors’ standings.

Between the lines:

Fred Vasseur's high praise for Bearman, stating he "made zero mistakes" and "put everything together," highlights the consistency and maturity the young driver displayed. This wasn't just a flash in the pan; it was a culmination of steady improvement throughout the season. Bearman's ability to hold off faster cars like Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren for extended periods, despite being in a Haas, demonstrates not only his raw pace but also his racecraft and composure under immense pressure. His comment about spending "more time looking in my rearview mirrors than in front" perfectly encapsulates the defensive masterclass he put on.

What's next:

Bearman's strong showing in Mexico could serve as a significant confidence booster and a "springboard" for his future F1 career. He expressed his ambition to fight with top teams in future years, and this result proves he's already capable of doing so. For Haas, this momentum could be crucial as they head into the final races of the season, potentially solidifying their position in the midfield and attracting further investment and talent. Bearman's consistently improving results will also put him firmly in contention for more prominent F1 seats in the years to come.